Tina Kotek, Oregon’s first lesbian governor, wins reelection

Tina Kotek has won a second term as Oregon’s governor, returning a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedom to the state’s highest office.The Democrat defeated Republican nominee Christine Drazan, according to Decision Desk HQ, which called the race at 11:08 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday night. The election was a rematch between the candidates, who first faced each other in 2022.With 51 percent of the estimated vote counted, Kotek had 54 percent, compared with Drazan’s 43 percent. Pacific Green Party candidate Brett Smith received under three percent.Kotek became Oregon’s first lesbian governor after her 2022 victory. She and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey were the first out lesbian candidates elected governor in the United States. Before becoming governor, Kotek served nine years as Oregon House speaker.Her reelection follows a first term that included expanded protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, alongside efforts to address housing shortages and homelessness.In 2023, Kotek signed House Bill 2002, strengthening protections for patients seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care and the providers who treat them. The legislation also addressed gaps in insurance coverage for medically necessary gender-affirming treatment.Among its provisions, the law prohibits covered insurers from categorically excluding medically necessary gender-affirming procedures as cosmetic. It also restricts Oregon public bodies from participating in certain out-of-state investigations involving reproductive or gender-affirming care legally provided in Oregon.Housing was another early priority. Kotek declared a homelessness emergency on her first full day in office and worked with lawmakers to fund additional shelter capacity, homelessness prevention, and efforts to move people into housing. Her administration also secured funding to build and preserve affordable homes.Drazan, a state senator and former Oregon House minority leader, sought to make the ele